Motorcycle Detour for I-75 Slide near Jellico, TN

If you’re headed south to Daytona from the midwest, here’s a alternate route for motorcycles that will help you avoid the traffic – 

Coming home from a Total Rider Tech instructor training in Chicago yesterday, I ran into the roadblock on I-75 near the Tennessee / Kentucky state line. On the ride up I noted the rushing streams and rivers from recent storms and apparently Sinking Creek washed out and undermined a section of I-75 causing the southbound lane to subside and be closed at exit 160.

Even at 4 AM my cartographers instincts compelled me to look for an alternate route for my 2 wheeled friends that would get them away from the traffic that would now choke the “official” detour route which leads you down US 25W through La Follette.

Screenshot of Google Map

The "official" detour routs you east through La Follette. I've identified another way to the west that you should enjoy more.

Link to Google Map Route – http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=211107090297552226361.0004bb0ddf208a14a207c&msa=0&ll=36.408573,-83.946533&spn=0.584666,1.489334

Pass through Jellico, keeping left at the intersection in town with US 25W. Follow TN 297 south as it twists and winds through Newcomb and Elk Valley. Turn left onto TN 63 (Howard Baker HWY) to reconnect to the interstate just below the slide area at exit 141. There are a couple gas stations at this exit. It’s actually a pretty engaging ride for the motorcycle rider that you can enjoy, plan on 30 minutes or so without other traffic.

I did not scout the “official” route, though it looks like it too has some tight and twisty bits at the north end. Get a few big semi’s on this road and traffic is bound to slow to a crawl.

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Wayne Busch

Wayne Busch - Cartographer

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– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com

Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for Total Rider Tech teaching Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses. Isn’t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  Total Rider Tech

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The Snake – A Motorcycle Ride and More

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http://www.421thesnake.com

While the Smoky Mountains are laced with great motorcycle rides, only a few get known well enough to get a name attached to them. The Snake is one such road. Tucked away in the corner where the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia come together, this stretch of US 421 north of Mountain City boast 489 curves within a 33 mile stretch. Sections of this road are tighter than the infamous Dragon at Deals Gap and it deserves more attention than it gets. The Iron Mountain Inn B&B is seeking to change that.

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Scenes nearby - Watauga Lake

The Snake does not stand alone. When you see references to Shady Valley, the junction where TN 133 and 91 junction with US 421, it characterizes a surrounding area ripe with great roads, nice scenery, and miles and miles of fun. As you traverse the borders of the three states, then continue on up into Virginia, you enter a region full of so many good motorcycle roads it will fill days and days of riding. Surprisingly undiscovered, dotted with small rural towns and cities, the majority of the roads are empty of all but local traffic.

To the south lies Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock, the convenient jumping off point from the Blue Ridge Parkway and home to Grandfather Mountain and its mile high swinging bridge, and Watauga Lake. Bristol Motor Speedway and the city from which it is named is  at  the west end of US 421. North brings you to Damascus with the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. To the east miles and miles of largely undiscovered two lane roads wind and twist through the hillsides waiting for your motorcycle tour.

Photo- Iron Mountain Inn B&B Creekside Chalet

Iron Mountain Inn B&B Creekside Chalet

Based out of Butler, Tennessee, the Iron Mountain Inn B&B offers a variety of settings in addition to the Inn itself – a lake house, a chalet, and a cottage. Choose your level of privacy, amenities, and setting. Wether you’re looking for the convenience of meals served on sight, a private hot tub under the stars, or a house pre-stocked with you dining choices, they will cater to your needs. Should you choose to have someone show you the area on your motorcycle vacation, day tours are available highlighting both the roads and nearby attractions which can include:

  • A visit to the Ashe County Cheese Factory
  • Visit Grandfather Mountain, a globally recognized nature preserve with the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge
  • A trip back in time at the Todd General Store
  • A picnic beside Watauga Lake
  • The Butler Museum to learn the story of “the town that wouldn’t drown
  • Festivals throughout the spring, summer and fall throughout the region
  • Taking a pontoon boat for an afternoon or  evening spin around Watauga Lake
  • A hike to Laurel Falls – part of the Appalachian Trail
  • Depending on the season a visit to the Rhododendrons at Roan Mountain State Park
  • Visit the Grey Fossil site to learn about rhinoceros which once roamed these hills
  • Visit Bristol Motor Speedway – take the tour and see what the banked track is really like!
  • A side trip to Mt. Jefferson where you can hike to the top for a magnificent view!
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The view from the deck.

Come, share the magic of the mountains where every season has a reason to visit us at either:

www.ironmountainINN.com (a luxury B&B)

www.creeksidechalet.net (a very secluded log cabin in the woods)

www.cottageonwataugalake.com (a 3 bedroom/3 bath home right on the edge of Watauga Lake)

www.lodgeonironmountain.com (a 4 bedroom 4 bath luxury log home atop the mountain)

www.mountainlakevacation.com (lots of things to do and see in the area)

Host and Owner: Vikki Woods 423-768-2446 for reservations or book online 24 hours a day!

Email: stay@ironmountainINN.com